The Bald Cypress tree is said to be the tree of the southern swamps, rivers and bayous. The bald refers to the loss of leaves in the fall period of the year. They are one of the longest lived trees in the world and they can grow to 120 feet tall.

These Bald Cypress trees are in Caddo Lake which lies half in the State of Louisiana and half in Texas. This photo is from the Texas side which has most of the swamps and bayous while the Louisiana side has mostly clear water. Caddo Lake is just about the furthest north to show cypress colors -if there is a brief cold snap in early to mid October.

These Bald Cypress Knees, left foreground, are thought to either help in the anchoring of the trees in swamp environments and prevent erosion by catching sediment or provide oxygen to the roots. Who knows?